"As you go, make this announcement: ‘The reign of God is at hand!’" (Mt. 10:7)

Along with the divine plan comes the great announcement of His glory. At His birth "...multitude(s) of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in high heaven, peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests.’" (Lk. 2:13-14)

The first disciples were sent forth by Jesus to preach the kingdom with joy and the love of the Lord: "Cure the sick, raise the dead, heal the leprous, and expel demons. The gift you have received, give as a gift." (Mt. 10:8)

"The Gospel" means the good news that good news is of the presence of the Lord’s Kingdom of Love.

Why it is that now, the kingdom of God hardly produces the same enthusiasm among us? Why is it that we who are members of His kingdom since our baptism have become insensitive to His divine love -- a love that He offers to us with such great enthusiasm?

One of every five people in this world has received baptism... and you are one of them.

If we, the baptized, who have received our citizenship in His kingdom remain insensitive, who then will proclaim that kingdom with the same enthusiasm with which God entrusted it to us?

"For this reason, I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will yield a rich harvest." (Mt. 21:43)

Are you shouldering your end of the responsibility that comes from your divine calling?

Reflection and commentary

Psalm 22: "Then I will proclaim your name to the assembly; in the community I will praise you."